Raipur Chhattisgarh [India], October 6 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, graced the inauguration ceremony of the Jal-Jagar Mahotsav held at Ravishankar Reservoir in Gangrel Dam of Dhamtari district as the Chief Guest, as per a release.
In his address to the gathering, CM Sai said that Jal-Jagar Mahotsav is an exemplary initiative of Dhamtari district administration for water and environmental conservation. Dhamtari district, which was witnessing a significant depletion of its groundwater levels, has experienced a positive and revolutionary transformation due to the Jal-Jagar initiative, making the district administration worthy of commendation, the release stated.
During the event, CM Sai invoked the local deities and extended his best wishes for Navratri to the people. He further said that no goal is unachievable, if one is determined enough. "It is our responsibility to implement Prime Minister's Har Ghar Nal Se Jal mission under Jal Jeevan Mission in a qualitative manner," he asserted. He also mentioned that the Niyad Nellanar scheme is being implemented for the tribals in the Maoist-affected areas, which is yielding positive outcomes. He urged everyone to plant trees in the honour of their mothers, thereby contributing to environmental preservation under "Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam" campaign.
Presiding over the event, the state's Parliamentary Affairs, Forest & Climate Change, Water Resources, Skill Development, and Cooperation Minister, Kedar Kashyap, lauded the district administration's proactive approach in water conservation, stating that the initiative should not only be followed by Dhamtari but serve as a model for the entire state and nation. "Through Jal-Jagar, we can bequeath a precious legacy to the coming generations," he added.
Addressing the gathering as a distinguished guest, the state's Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Revenue and Disaster Management, and in-charge of the district, Tankram Verma, emphasized the critical importance of water conservation in today's context. He noted that the Prime Minister, through the Jal Jeevan Mission, has conveyed a strong message by ensuring water supply to every household. He urged everyone to understand the value and significance of water. He also illustrated the importance of water through a Chhattisgarhi song, leaving a strong impression on the audience.
Former Cabinet Minister and Kurud MLA, Ajay Chandrakar, highlighted the innovative nature of the initiative, expressing concern over the declining groundwater levels in Dhamtari despite the presence of four major reservoirs. "The community's participation in water conservation is commendable, and this should be transformed into a mass movement," he added.
Furthermore, Member of Parliament from Mahasamund, Rupkumari Chaudhary, and Kanker MP, Bhojraj Nag, also praised the ongoing Jal-Jagar Mahotsav in the district and termed it as a commendable effort. Present on the occasion were Kanker MLA Asharam Netam, former MLA Ranjana Sahu, Shravan Markam, Pinky Shah, Inder Chopra, along with several public representatives and senior citizens.